Compare Benzamycin vs. Doxycycline

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

Topical treatment for acne. Benzamycin (Benzoyl Peroxide / Erythromycin) is a topical combination acne treatment that may work better for people who didn't see an improvement when taking either medicine alone or simply don't want to take pill medication. You need to be careful because it can bleach your hair, clothing and other fabrics. It also needs to be stored in the refrigerator and is only good for three months..

Treats bacterial infections. Vibramycin (Doxycycline) is good for treating many bacterial infections. It is also available as generic. However, it can make birth control pills less effective. You also have to protect yourself against sunburn.

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› Has to be taken with plenty of water and food and you have to stay upright for 30 minutes afterwards to avoid stomach irritation.

› Take with plenty of food and liquids.

Kidneys and liver

No specific kidneys and liver-related info.

No specific kidneys and liver-related info.

Sex

No specific sex-related info.

No specific sex-related info.

Sleep

No specific sleep-related info.

No specific sleep-related info.

Weight

› Not the best choice if you're pregnant. Benzamycin is categorized as pregnancy Category C (weight risks vs benefits) because of the benzoyl peroxide part.

No specific weight-related info.

Upsides and benefits

Benzamycin

Doxycycline

› Benzamycin works better to reduce bacteria in oil glands and improve overall signs and symptoms of acne than either medicine alone.

› Reduces bacteria on the skin, which "calms" the skin down (lowers the inflammatory response) in acne.

› Combining an antibiotic with benzoyl peroxide lowers the chances of Benzamycin not working as well over time.

› Although Benzamycin can irritate the skin, a true skin allergy is rare.

› Can be used in combination with acne pill medicine if your doctor thinks you need it.

› Available in generic.

› Available in different forms: tablet, capsule, and suspension.

› Used to treat many types of bacterial infections.

› Less resistance seen in bacteria to this antibiotic. Your doctor may run tests to see which antibiotics will kill the bacteria causing your infection.

Downsides and risks

Benzamycin

Doxycycline

› There's a risk of irritation with anything you apply to your skin and this is no different. Benzamycin, contains a topical antibiotic and can cause redness, peeling, abnormal dryness or stinging, tightening, or burning sensations.

› It's rare, that a serious allergic reaction would occur, but it's a good idea to test a small area of skin before using on any larger or sensitive areas

› Can cause severe inflammation of the large intestine (pseudomembranous colitis).

› Not the best choice if you're pregnant. Benzamycin is categorized as pregnancy Category C (weight risks vs benefits) because of the benzoyl peroxide part.

› Can cause bleaching of hair and clothing.

› You'll need to stay out of the sun or apply a sunscreen if you go outdoors.

› Can't be used in pregnant women and children under 8 years old.

› Makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.

› Has to be taken with plenty of water and food and you have to stay upright for 30 minutes afterwards to avoid stomach irritation.

› Can make birth control less effective.

› Can cause diarrhea.

Tips from our pharmacists for people taking the medication

Benzamycin

Doxycycline

› Combination medicine you apply to your skin to treat acne.

› Apply a thin film to clean and dry affected skin twice a day- in the morning and evening.

› Store in the refrigerator, but don't freeze.

› The pharmacist mixes the medicine when you pick it up at the drugstore. You'll need to use it within three months of this date or dispose of it properly.